Top Destinations for Your Next Dream Beach Holiday
With many Brits heading off to their summer holidays, you may be wondering where your next escape will be. There are dozens of countries to choose from if you’re after the sea and sunshine, from Europe to North Africa.
Whether you’re craving golden sands and crystal-clear waters or a historic coastal town to explore, check out our beach destination picks below.
The Algarve, Portugal
Often celebrated as the “world’s best beach,” the Algarve is home to Falésia beach. It’s renowned for its backdrop of high cliffs in shades of red and orange, covered in green pine trees and pink sea thrift flowers.
You’ll find several popular resort towns in the region, including Lagos and Albufeira, that offer picturesque cobbled streets and markets with modern hotels and amenities. In Lagos, you can take to the waves on a surfboard at beaches like Praia da Arrifana and Tonel, Sagres, before exploring the old town’s 17th-century Forte Ponta da Bandeira.
Biarritz, France
Biarritz, a seaside town on the Basque coast, has long been a popular resort thanks to its architecture and surfing opportunities. It gained fame as a 19th-century playground for European royalty, but is now a favourite of those looking for an active holiday.
At the Grande Plage, you can take a scenic cliff walk or relax on the sand as you watch surfers compete in tournaments. For sweeping views of the Bay of Biscay, head to the Rocher de la Vierge, a rocky outcrop topped with a white statue of the Virgin Mary.
El Gouna, Egypt
El Gouna on Egypt’s Red Sea coast is an upscale resort town built across 36 man-made islands connected by lagoons and bridges. Known for its eco-conscious design and luxurious resorts, it’s ideal for kitesurfing, snorkelling, and even desert safaris.
Its low humidity and reliable sunshine make it a great winter sun destination, with attractions like Makani and Zeytuna beaches. While not as widely known as Sharm el-Sheikh, El Gouna offers a quieter, more refined experience with a zero-waste system that recycles over 85% of its waste and a focus on cycling and electric tuk-tuks to minimise reliance on cars.
Woolacombe, UK
Those seeking cheap holidays can’t go wrong with Woolacombe in North Devon. You can take the kids for a leisurely walk around the Morte Point Trail, or tackle the length of the South West Coast Path for a more challenging option.
The whole family can explore rock pooling at Combesgate Beach. Take fishing nets and see if you can spot crabs and starfish on a sunny day. Head to the Porthole Café on Marine Drive for a view of the dunes and a selection of local dairy ice cream.
